YAZ Birth Control Maker Develops World’s First Natural Pill
Bayer Schering Pharma, the pharmaceutical giant that makes the YAZ contraceptive pill, claims that they have developed the first ‘natural’ birth control pill in the world. They have already launched the pill, Qlaira, in the UK after doing tests with it on 3,000 women.
Instead of using synthetic hormones, like those that are found in other contraceptive pills, Qlaira uses bioidentical oestrogen hormones from natural plants, which is identical to the estrogen in the body. The pharmaceutical company claims that users of the pill have experienced shorter, less painful periods than those who use the normal pill. Qlaira works by altering the hormone balance in women, which blocks the ovaries from releasing new eggs.
On June 7th, Dr. Annie Evans, a women’s health expert, welcomed the new pill. She said that she is worried about how many women don’t use effective contraception due to fears over side-effects or risks. Although bioidentical hormones are boasted as safer than synthetic hormones, there is some scientific evidence that supports the theory. In January, Suzanne Somers appeared on The Oprah Winfrey show, crediting bioidentical hormones with helping her get through menopause.
Dr. Manny Alvarez, FOXNewshealth.com managing editor, warned that bioidentical hormones need to be used with caution though. He says that these hormones are very similar to those in women’s bodies, but some of them that are similar to estrogen may increase the risk of some cancers. Alvarez also added that there is always the question of how much to take, as not too many studies have been done to support their benefits.
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